A Worthy Read Interesting Domestic and International Articles Discussing the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation |
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CALLING VOLUNTEERS!
There has never been a better time to help out and be recognized.
You can make a huge difference!
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To read the South Bay Cities Council of Governments' latest edition of its newsletter,
South Bay Watch,
click here |
Where Does Your City Rank in the
SCE Energy Leader Partnership Program?
Platinum Tier
20% Energy Reduction Stay Tuned
Gold Tier
10% Energy Reduction
City of Hawthorne
City of Lomita
Silver Tier
5% Energy Reduction
City of Carson
City of El Segundo
City of Hermosa Beach
City of Inglewood
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Redondo Beach
City of Torrance
Valued Level
City of Lawndale
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rolling Hills
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of Gardena
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Did You Know?
"With a tally of 659, Los Angeles once again tops the nation in having the most Energy Star--certified buildings. Riverside came in ninth with 165 green buildings, while San Diego took the 19th spot with 109. Together, these three cities saved more than $186 million per year in utility bills. Energy Star is a joint program of the Environmental Protections Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy."
- Westways
July/August 2012
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Message From the Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Programs
Here we are in the midst of summer and as temperatures raise, our thoughts turn to water fun. Swimming, fishing, running through sprinklers, water skiing or just dipping our feet in cool waves at the ocean are all simple pleasures during this time of the year.
The challenge I offer you in this newsletter is to think about what is going on behind-the-scenes. We take our water for granted even as other parts of the country are experiencing catastrophic drought. At what costs to the environment do we transport water? How much damage is done as we purify this liquid gold with chemicals so it is "safe" to drink and play in? The connection (nexus) between water and energy is now becoming a hot topic as our awareness grows as to how much energy it takes to provide the water we use each and every day. For instance, how much water and energy does it take to grow and transport the food we eat?
Take a few minutes and enjoy the articles that follow with tips on how we can personally minimize our impacts while rolling out those "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer". We can all make a difference.
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Top 10 Tips to Save Energy and Money This Summer
Tips Courtesy of the Department of Energy (DOE)
Summer is here, and for many of us that means trips to the beach, outdoor concerts, and cool drinks. Summer is also a great season to save energy and money in your home. Click Here to see some tips to get you started.
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New Series of Free Training Workshops
Aimed at South Bay Commercial, Manufacturing & Non-Profit Sectors
This series of upcoming workshops is designed to help facilities managers and staff improve their knowledge about energy efficiency best practices and technical processes. All workshops will be held at the SBESC located at 20285 S. Western Ave. Suite 100, Torrance. Pre-Registration is required - Chandler@sbesc.com.
Register Here
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California ISO Link on SBESC Homepage
Monitor the Supply and Demand Graph, Data Renewables Graph, Flex Meter and Alerts, Warnings and Emergencies 
Find out how you can help prepare for a sweltering summer by checking out an at-a-glance view of supply and demand, renewable energy production, emergency notifications and requests for energy conservation. Find out what a Flex Alert is and more here!
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 Energy Upgrade California
Loans available through Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County
Homeowners interested in completing an energy upgrade through Energy Upgrade California and need assistance in paying for the upgrades, loans are available. For a limited time, Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County is offering homeowners a 2% interest rate on eligible residential energy efficiency and solar projects! These loans are offered through Matadors Community Credit Union with support from Los Angeles County. Before contacting the lender, the homeowner must talk with a Participating Contractor to make sure that they qualify for utility incentives.
Read More
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The Gas Company
Interested in Taking Advantage of Residential Incentives?
The Gas Company offers residential rebates on qualifying energy efficient clothes washers, dishwashers, storage and tankless water heaters, furnaces, attic and wall insulation, and low-flow showerheads. Some residential customers may be eligible for the Energy Savings Assistance Program. The program offers no-cost energy-saving home improvements and furnace repair or replacement services for qualified limited-income renters and homeowners.
Click Here for more details!
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Southern California Edison
Cash Rebate Available to Residents Who Install New Pool Pump!
With summer in full swing, it's time to think about the pool! The pool pump and motor operates 365 days each year regardless of the season and whether or not it is being used for swimming laps or playing around in the water. Southern California Edison (SCE) is offering a generous $200 cash rebate on the purchase of a new variable-speed pool pump and motor.
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Customers Urged to Save Power, Avoid Rolling Blackouts
Officials from California's grid operator and Southern California Edison will roll out an energy conservation campaign, asking customers to save power over the summer in light of the outage at San Onofre nuclear plant and the region's tight energy supply.
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An Easy Way To Save Up To $200 On Electricity Bills
SCE's Summer Discount Plan rewards you for helping reduce demand on the electricity system when it's needed most. Enrolling means you agree to allow your A/C to be remotely shut off during select energy events that affect your area. You choose how frequently your A/C may be shut off, and for how long. In exchange, you can earn up to $200* each summer in bill credits. The credits are yours to keep, even if your A/C is rarely cycled off.
Read More
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L.A. Metro
Save Money by Vanpooling!
Have you considered a vanpool, but not quite sure it will save you money? Driving your car alone does add up, so you might be interested in visiting the Metro vanpool website to compare your driving costs to Vanpool costs.
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First South Bay Measure R Highway Project Completed by Hawthorne
The City of Hawthorne has completed a $4.1 million improvement project on Rosecrans Avenue at the I-405 Freeway. The highway improvement project is the first to be finished of more than 40 projects programmed for design and construction during the next five years by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and Metro using Measure R sales tax funds. Project funding for the Rosecrans Ave. project was provided from the Measure R half-cent sales tax for transportation that was approved by LA County voters in November 2008, a Federal Appropriation Grant secured by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, from federal and from local funding sources.
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Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Industries Honored for Being Good Coporate Citizens
The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County sent Certificates of Recognition to 575 companies for being "good corporate citizens" for the year 2011. These companies have met their limits for wastewater discharge for at least a year, maintained their environmental equipment and fulfilled all permit requirements. Ninety-one of the companies have received this recognition for more than five consecutive years.
Read More
The following South Bay cities had companies honored: Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, Wilmington and Harbor City. To see the entire list of companies, Click Here.
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West Basin Municipal Water D istrict
July is Smart Irrigation Month
Here are 2 things you can do to make your yard more water efficient (find out more information at www.westbasin.org):
1. Install a Smart Irrigation Controller - Rebates are available to help you save up to $235 on your Smart Controller (depending on which one you choose, the rebate could potentially cover the entire cost of the controller). Who doesn't like free? Visit our landscape page for more information.
2. Take a LIEP (landscape irrigation efficiency program) - West Basin provides free landscape surveys for residential and business properties within its service area. Again, who doesn't like free? Find out if you've got leaks, broken sprinklers or are overwatering your yard. Also, if you qualify, you may be eligible to get free sprinkler nozzles installed.
Water District Endorses Recirculating Car Washes
West Basin Municipal Water District has kicked off a campaign that encourages drivers to use commercial car washes that recirculate water.
As part of the Ocean-Safe Car Wash Program, the agency is offering coupons on its website -www.westbasin.org/ - to three local washes. The program's initial participants are: Hermosa Beach Hand Car Wash, The Bubble Machine Car Wash in Culver City and Gardena Car Wash.
Read More
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City of Torrance
As We Enter the Summer Months, the City of Torrance is Prepared to "Beat the Heat in 2012" at Two Cooling Center Locations:
Bartlett Center | 1318 Cravens Ave.
Monday - Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm
Sundays: 12:30 - 4 pm
Katy Geissert Main Library | 3301 Torrance Blvd.
Monday -Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm
Fridays: 10 am - 6 pm
Saturdays: 10 am - 5:30 pm
The library cooling center is closed on Sundays.
For a complete list of Cooling Centers in L.A. County, Click Here
*Congratulations for Reaching SILVER Status in the SCE Energy Leader Partnership Program!
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Chandler is the SBESC's new additional Administrative Assistant, handling the Center's communication efforts across a span of multimedia from website/e-newsletter content posting to social media development. Pulling from experience at West Basin Municipal Water District in their Public Information Department and time developing the Australian Trade Commission's L.A. Office's social media presence, Chandler hopes to help strengthen the Center's outreach and overall communication strategies. Having studied International Business at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, Chandler has traveled a diverse road to reach the SBESC, accumulating experience in international trade as well as public utilities. He enjoys playing soccer and is an avid bird watcher, helping to landscape his home to function as a sanctuary where an assortment of species can feed, roost and nest. While at the SBESC, Chandler hopes to cultivate his knowledge for how the Center is working together with public agencies, businesses and residents to harbor an energy efficient, sustainable and environmentally progressive South Bay.
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Legislation Corner
Court Backs E.P.A. Over Emissions Limits Intended to Reduce Global Warming
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a finding by the Environmental Protection Agency that heat-trapping gases from industry and vehicles endanger public health, dealing a decisive blow to companies and states that had sued to block agency rules.
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| Cities in the News
Study: Palos Verdes Beaches Need Improvement
The NRDC's 22nd annual report analyzed government data on beach-water testing from 2011 at more than 3,000 beaches nationwide.
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Food-waste pickup program could expand in Manhattan Beach
Hundreds of green waste bins that wind up on the curb each week in Manhattan Beach could soon get a little heavier -- and stinkier.
But that could be the smell of success, proof that residents are taking advantage of a food waste recycling program launching this month by the town's trash hauler, Waste Management. Read More |
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July / August 2012 Events & Workshops
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Workshops & Trainings
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